You may decide to wait until your child is 3 years old to start potty training. While the time during potty training can be stressful, it will eventually be worth the effort. Potty training 3 year old children does not have to be a difficult process. If you know the steps that you need to take to potty train a 3 year old, the process can be efficient. Depending on the child, it may be a quick and easy process.
Timing
The most important thing to consider when potty training is the timing of the process. There are two things to consider when talking about potty training timing. You want to think about the readiness of the child. You also want to think about the current timing within your family setting.
You want to make sure that your child is ready for potty training before you actually begin the process. Your child will start to show signs that they are ready to start toilet training. Eventually, your 3 year old will start to act differently before they relieve themselves. They will start to be uncomfortable before they do so, and will start to act differently in the moments before they do. At this point, they recognize the feeling of needing to relieve themselves, and are ready to start potty training.
Troubles
Many families find that it is difficult to potty train their child. There can be multiple issues that arise during the potty training process. The major issue that many parents run into is the fact that their child simply does not feel a need to use the toilet.
It can be difficult for children to first understand why they need to use the restroom. They are too young to understand that they cannot continue to use diapers. They are simply too young to want to use the bathroom. The way to get children to start using a restroom is to give them a reason to do so.
Reasons
Some parents choose to give their children gifts for using the restroom. They use toys and other incentives to get their children to want to use the restroom. This can be good positive reinforcement, as the child continues to use the restroom.
Often times a gift or incentive is not needed, simply a very positive verbal encouragement works wonders. A statement such as “Good Job” accompanied with a loving hug can work miracles. And there is a wonderful side benefit your child will relaize of building their self esteem.
However, at times when positive reinforcemtnt doesn’t work, you may have to resort to more forceful and less pleasant ways to reach the goal of bathroom training. Some parents take away certain things that the child likes in order to get them to want to use the restroom. They may take away a toy, television time, or other small things important to the child.
It is important to find the method that is best for your 3 year old. At 3 years old, your child should have an easier time with potty training. If you do run into some issues, try the reinforcement method that you prefer.